Hanamioka Town Hall
Haruka
Chairman!
Chairman
Ah, MORE MORE JUMP!
I apologize for having you all gather on such short notice.
I apologize for having you all gather on such short notice.
Airi
That's okay. Are we really running short on bookmarks?
Operations Committee Member
Yes, more runners than we were expecting have applied, so it looks like we're not going to have enough to go around...
Chairman
We were hoping to give everybody one, but we may need to start considering a first-come-first-serve policy.
Operations Committee Member
It's such a shame. We were hoping everyone could go home with a beautiful little memory of our town.
Haruka
Oh...
Chairman
That's why we began holding the town marathon.
Showing people just how beautiful this place is should help bring in more tourists and new residents...
Showing people just how beautiful this place is should help bring in more tourists and new residents...
Haruka
Pardon me!
Operations Committee Member
Huh?
Haruka
Can you tell us how many bookmarks we're currently short?
Operations Committee Member
How many? I'd say about 400 would cover it...
Haruka
Okay. A hundred per person, then.
Shizuku
Oh...
Shizuku
Hehe. You're right!
Operations Committee Member
Wait, what are you saying?
Airi
There's still enough time for each of us to make a hundred more. Then, we'll have enough for everyone.
Operations Committee Member
B-But!
We couldn't possibly ask you to go that far...
We couldn't possibly ask you to go that far...
Minori
It's okay! We're the ones who suggested that we pass out bookmarks in the first place!
Shizuku
Please let us do this.
We want to put smiles on the faces of everyone in this town and all those who participate in the marathon.
We want to put smiles on the faces of everyone in this town and all those who participate in the marathon.
Operations Committee Member
Girls...
Operations Committee Member
Then, please do.
I'd love to help out, but we still have things to do for tomorrow.
I'd love to help out, but we still have things to do for tomorrow.
Haruka
That's okay. You can leave this to us.
Haruka
Let's start by checking how many extra flowers we have. If we need more...
Chairman
I can ask the flower shop to see if they have the ones we're using. I'll do something about the budget.
Haruka
Thank you very much!
In that case, we should be able to dry them out in time by using the microwave.
In that case, we should be able to dry them out in time by using the microwave.
Haruka
Alright, Airi, Shizuku, could you two check our reserves and go with the chairman to get the flowers we need?
Shizuku
Okay!
Haruka
Minori, can you gather up all the tools so we can get started right away? I'll bring the materials.
Minori
Got it!
Saito
I'll help you carry everything!
Show Director
...
Keep the cameras rolling.
Keep the cameras rolling.
Crew Member
O-Of course!
A few hours later
Haruka
Phew...
Airi
Okay, that makes about twenty total.
Minori
Wow, that's a lot already!
Though, we still have a long way to go until 400.
Though, we still have a long way to go until 400.
Minori
Alright, that means we gotta really get cracking!
Shizuku
Yes, but we should also make each one with care.
???
Oh, you're really going at it.
Haruka
Huh?
Operations Committee Members
Honestly, why didn't you come tell us?
Airi
Everyone!
But what are you doing here?
But what are you doing here?
Local A
We should be asking you that.
Haruka
Oh...
Local A
Are they sure about this?
I mean, they're idols, right?
I mean, they're idols, right?
Haruka
We apologize for doing this without consulting you all, but...
Local A
If the chairman hadn't told us, then you would've ended up doing all the work.
Haruka
Huh?
Haruka
Wait, but...
Local C
Ah, don't look at us like that.
Local C
I understand why you'd be hesitant.
We didn't exactly welcome you with open arms.
We didn't exactly welcome you with open arms.
Local C
We thought you and that television crew were really just here for some feel-good footage.
Local C
But when we actually bothered looking...
Local B
You've all worked so hard for our town.
Local B
Even when the cameras weren't on, you got muddy harvesting crops and you built that big stage. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes.
Local B
But it made us really happy.
Haruka
Oh...
Local C
Besides, this is our town.
That means it's our duty to act.
That means it's our duty to act.
Local A
Right. What we mean to say is...
Local A
Let's do this, together.
Haruka
...!
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Haruka
(That's so great to hear.)
Haruka
It's normal for them to be wary of outsiders and those they think they can't rely on. Their town is just that precious to them.
Haruka
So, it's up to us to be the best diplomats we can, to help ease their worries.
Shizuku
We have to take this marathon and our interactions with the locals very seriously. We need to show them that we're going to do our absolute best.
Haruka
(Our feelings made it through to them.)
Operations Committee Members
Oh, Haruka, your flowers are lined up so nicely. Can you show me how to do that?
Haruka
Thank you.
You see, even if the flowers stick out a little at first, they'll shrink into position like this.
You see, even if the flowers stick out a little at first, they'll shrink into position like this.
Operations Committee Members
Oh, so that's the trick!
Haruka
Also, you don't necessarily have to line them up in a row. You can actually layer them together too...
Next Chapter: New Resolve